Former World Titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44 and 1, 30 KOs), now stepping up to the cruiserweight ranks, will square off against former light heavyweight World Champ Joe Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York. The date is set for Saturday, October 7, and the 12-round collision, backed by Star Boxing, will unfold live on DAZN from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is out to make a statement.  A pro for almost 15 years, Ramirez has built an impressive résumé, taking down warriors like Maxim Vlasov, Jessie  Hart, and Arthur Abraham. That victory against Abraham earned him the WBO Super Middleweight World Crown. The only mar on his record comes from a gutsy showdown against Dmitriy Bivol in November 2022. Ramirez is primed and ready, eyes on the prize, eager to take on the cruiserweight division’s heaviest hitters.

“I am ready to take over the cruFgusiserweight division and wrap another championship belt around my waist,” declared Ramirez. “A big thank you to my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire corner that have stood by me in this season of transformation. Joe Smith Jr. is no pushover; he’s got an appetite for battle. We both had our sights set on this fight at light heavyweight years ago, and now it’s on. See you in Vegas!”

Joe Smith Jr., the iron-chinned former light heavyweight World Champion, is no stranger to defying odds. Clinching the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title after a relentless performance against Maxim Vlasov in April 2021, Smith then defended his title against Steve Geffrard and later fell to Artur Beterbiev in an epic unification clash. With a boxing ledger that boasts wins over Bernard Hopkins, Eleider Alvarez, Jessie Hart, and Andrzej Fonfara, Smith’s debut in the cruiserweight division against Ramirez promises fireworks.

“It feels great to be back, especially against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez,” said Smith Jr. “This year has been a hard one, and the loss of my brother, Alex, was devastating. But I know he’ll be with me in the ring. He was my biggest fan and he’d be thrilled to see me back. The Common Man is back, and I hope to bring joy and inspiration back to my family through this fight.”

Golden Boy Promotions’ Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya, remarked, “‘Zurdo’ beat everyone at super middleweight, becoming a world champion and a feared fighter. Now, with a fresh challenge and a new division to conquer, he’s more determined than ever. I predict a grea performance on his way to the cruiserweight world championship.”

Star Boxing’s CEO, Joe DeGuardia, added excitement to the mix, stating, “We are ecstatic to announce Joe Smith Jr.’s return at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas live on DAZN. He’s had a tough year, but true to form, he wants the toughest challenge. Champion vs Champion, two former world champs facing off – this is must-see action, and I can’t wait to see Joe back in the ring on October 7th.”